For the first time in its history, the Best Warrior Competition was held outside the United States, hosted by Qatar’s National Service Academy early this year.

Over the three days (February 2–5), American and Qatari soldiers tested their skills in strength, endurance, marksmanship, land navigation, and academic knowledge.

The annual event, organized by the West Virginia Army National Guard, was conducted in partnership with the Qatar Armed Forces under the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program (SPP).

The SPP pairs US state National Guards with partner nations to strengthen cooperation, cultural exchange, and joint training.

Since 2018, West Virginia and Qatar have worked together under this initiative, building trust while supporting broader US security and diplomatic goals.

Spirit of cooperation

Sixty-five US service members from West Virginia and Washington, D.C. National Guard Bureaus competed alongside Qatari cadets and soldiers, demonstrating a shared spirit of determination and partnership.

The competition began with a grueling 15-kilometer (9.3 miles) ruck march across sandy terrain, followed by a high-intensity "stress shoot" that required composure and precision under fatigue.

Competitors then assembled and disassembled both US and Qatari weapons systems before tackling a swimming challenge involving a high-platform jump, water treading, and a deep dive to retrieve a dummy rifle.

On the second day, Qatari and US participants navigated through foggy desert terrain during a late-night land navigation exercise that concluded with a calisthenics challenge.

The intellectual dimension followed, with essays testing academic and strategic knowledge.

Competitors then faced a five-station circuit featuring a radio communications test, an obstacle course, and a gas mask drill.

The final day featured the Army Combat Fitness Test, a measure of overall physical readiness and endurance.

For many, the competition’s rewards went beyond titles or victories.

"I made a bunch of new friends with all the other competitors, and they all made the trip worthwhile," said Staff Sgt. Andras Bajusz of B Battery, 1/201st Field Artillery Battalion, who earned the title of West Virginia Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

Hosting the Best Warrior Competition in Qatar underscored the US military’s enduring presence in the Gulf region and its commitment to building lasting partnerships.

Beyond the demanding physical and mental tests, the event showcased the importance of military to military collaboration.

The competition stood as a powerful example of how soldier to soldier engagements strengthen both readiness and mutual trust.